Organisation trains 30,000 teachers on new technology

A cross section of teachers

A UK and Nigeria-based non-profit organisation, Universal Learning Solutions, has trained over 30,000 teachers in Nigeria on the use of a phone application “Jolly Phonics Lessons” to enhance learning and pronunciation of English words among primary school pupils.

The Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Gary Foxcroft, disclosed this in Jos on Saturday.

Foxcroft said the introduction of the new method of learning was in collaboration with leading technology entrepreneur, Gilbert Jolly.

He said that the new application would aid teachers and parent teach their children how to read, write and communicate in English language effectively.

Foxcroft added that the system which have been adjudged very efficient and effective, had been in operation for long in the UK.

“We have trained over 30,000 teachers in Nigeria on the use of this modern technique of teaching, the phone application, which is being provided for free in Nigeria for teachers and parent have been proven to be a very effective Phonics methodology.

“It teaches children how to read and write through learning the sounds of the English language and blending them together to form words in a fast, fun and interactive manner.

“Jolly Phonics is used in the majority of classrooms in the UK and training in the methodology is now being widely rolled out across Nigeria by Universal Learning Solutions,” he said.

Foxcroft commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) for keying into the new technology.

Also, Jolly, the founder of the new technology, said more teachers would be trained on workings of the new method of teaching.

Jolly explained that the application would be installed free for teachers with any kind of android phone which would be used to teach the students.

“I am delighted to be able to further support the great strides being taken by the Universal Basic Education Commission to eradicate illiteracy in Nigeria via the Jolly Phonics method by providing my technology freely to this cause.

“As Android smart phones become more readily available across Nigeria, I hope more and more teachers and parents will use my App to teach children how to read and write with joy with Jolly Phonics,” Jolly said.